Region’s students attend South West TAFE’s Try a Career Expo in Warrnambool

More than 2100 school students this week had a glimpse into what their future careers could look like.

The year nine students, from secondary schools across the region, participated in the South West TAFE Try a Career Expo at the Sherwood Park campus in Warrnambool.

The sessions, held on Friday and Monday, allowed the students to try hands-on activities in various careers including automotive, building, plumbing, early childhood, hairdressing, agriculture, conservation and land and business and administration.

Students chose three areas they were interested in and participated in each activity for 30 minutes.

South West TAFE schools, jobs and pathways division manager Susan Pettigrew said it gave the students a chance to try different careers from teachers who have industry experience and learn more about the skills required.

It was also the first time the students had been in an adult education setting. “The kids love it,” Mrs Pettigrew said. “They like the idea of doing something they’ve thought about doing but never had a go at.”

Mrs Pettigrew said the innovation space was popular with students who worked with robots, drones and 3D goggles and innovation was incorporated into all trade areas at South West TAFE.

She said the sessions also gave careers teachers the chance to see what TAFE offered before students signed up for Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETis) from year 10.